Daily News Analysis

Tungabhadra River

stylish_lining

Recently, three youngsters from Karnataka tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam in Kurnool district. This incident highlights the potential dangers posed by river bodies, especially those with strong currents or unpredictable weather conditions. The Tungabhadra River is a major river in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the principal tributary of the Krishna River.

Key Features of Tungabhadra River:

  1. Geographical Significance:

    • Origin: The river is formed at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet. Both the Tunga and Bhadra rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

    • Course: The Tungabhadra flows over a distance of 531 km before merging with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.

      • Length in Karnataka: 382 km.

      • Length in Andhra Pradesh: 91 km.

      • Boundary: The river forms a natural boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for 58 km.

  2. Catchment Area:

    • The total catchment area of the river is approximately 69,552 square kilometers up to its confluence with the Krishna River.

  3. Tributaries:

    • Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River are the major tributaries of the Tungabhadra.

  4. Ecological and Landscape Features:

    • The river's landscape is dominated by massive granite formations in hues of grey, ochre, and pink.

    • The region around the river is largely influenced by the southwest monsoon.

    • Raichur Doab: The land lying between the Tungabhadra and the Krishna rivers is called the Raichur Doab.

  5. Cultural and Historical Importance:

    • The Tungabhadra holds religious significance in Hinduism, where it is referred to as Pampa in the Ramayana.

    • The city of Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is located on the banks of the river. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich historical and architectural heritage.

  6. Dams and Reservoirs:

    • Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river for irrigation and power generation:

      • Tunga Anicut Dam

      • Bhadra Dam

      • Hemavathy Dam

      • Tungabhadra Dam

  7. Importance to Agriculture:

    • The river is crucial for the irrigation of agricultural lands in the region, particularly for rice, cotton, and other crops grown along its banks.

  8. Environmental Concerns:

    • As with many rivers, the water quality and ecosystem of the Tungabhadra face pressures from industrial pollution, over-extraction for irrigation, and dams. Conservation efforts are critical to maintaining the river’s ecological health.

Conclusion:

The Tungabhadra River is not only an important water source for southern India but also an integral part of the region's history, culture, and ecology. It is vital for both irrigation and energy production, while also being a cherished site for its religious significance.


 

Collegium System of Judicial Appointments in India

The Collegium system refers to India's judicial process for appointing and transferring judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. While the system plays a crucial role in maintaining judici
Share It

Sea-Level Rise

Coral micro-atolls are essential natural recorders of sea-level rise (SLR), offering valuable insights into past and present oceanic changes. These disk-shaped coral colonies provide a unique meth
Share It

India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

Why the Indian Ocean Matters: Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, hosting 1/3rd of the global population and acting as a crucial maritime trade
Share It

ASEAN Centrality

Why in the News? ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly under strain due to rising great-power rivalry, shifting global trade dynamics, and the evolving regional order.
Share It

2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China in 2025 brought together the heads of state of member countries to address a broad spectrum of issues, including secu
Share It

India’s Carbon Emissions Trading System

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made a significant stride in India’s climate strategy by setting up the National Designated Authority (NDA) to implement a
Share It

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend various provisions across several central acts with the goal of decriminalizing offences and promoting
Share It

Fair and Representative Global Order

India’s External Affairs Minister recently called for a fair and representative global order during the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. The statement highlights the growing need for reforms
Share It

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Recently, Unity Small Finance Bank and BharatPe launched India's first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network. This innovative product allows users to pay for their purchases in full or c
Share It

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Why in News? Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have gained prominence for their vital role in promoting collective action, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. They serve as cata
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS